Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo and site of the historic Kingdom of Dahomey, offers one of West Africa's most authentic travel experiences. Far from the tourist crowds, this fascinating country rewards curious travelers with rich culture, warm hospitality, and unique adventures — from the stilt villages of Ganvie to the royal palaces of Abomey.
The Benin e-Visa makes visiting this remarkable country straightforward. Apply online, receive your visa electronically, and explore one of Africa's best-kept secrets. DoVisa guides you through the entire process!
What is the Benin e-Visa?
The Benin e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to visit Benin for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Launched to modernize and streamline entry procedures, the e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries and can be obtained entirely online — no embassy visit required.
Once your application is approved, the e-Visa is sent directly to your email as a PDF document. You'll need to print it and present it to immigration officers upon arrival at Cotonou Airport or other entry points.
The e-Visa system has made visiting Benin significantly easier, opening up this culturally rich nation to more international travelers seeking authentic West African experiences.
Benin e-Visa at a Glance
Validity: 30 or 90 days (depending on type)
Stay duration: Up to 30 or 90 days
Entries: Single or multiple entry options
Processing time: 48-72 hours standard
Purpose: Tourism, business, transit, family visits
Yellow fever vaccination: MANDATORY for all travelers
Who Can Apply for Benin e-Visa?
The Benin e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries worldwide. Understanding the eligibility requirements helps ensure a smooth application process.
- Eligible nationalities: Citizens of most countries including USA, UK, EU members, Canada, Australia, and Asian countries
- ECOWAS citizens: Citizens of ECOWAS member states (Nigeria, Ghana, etc.) can enter visa-free
- Purpose of travel: Tourism, business meetings, family visits, transit, cultural exploration
- Passport validity: Must have at least 6 months validity from planned arrival date
- Previous denials: Prior visa denials don't automatically disqualify you — each application is assessed individually
- Health requirement: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for ALL travelers regardless of nationality
e-Visa Requirements
Before starting your Benin e-Visa application, gather all required documents. Having everything ready ensures a smooth application process without delays.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond planned stay
- Digital passport photo (white background, recent, no glasses)
- Scanned copy of passport bio page (clear, color scan)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate)
- Travel itinerary with planned activities
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Business invitation letter (for business visas only)
- Valid email address for visa delivery
Yellow Fever Vaccination is MANDATORY
Benin requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for ALL travelers arriving from ANY country. This is strictly enforced — you will be denied entry without it. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel to allow immunity to develop. The vaccination is valid for life.
How to Apply for Benin e-Visa
The Benin e-Visa application process is straightforward when you follow these steps. The entire process can be completed online from anywhere in the world.
- Check eligibility — Verify your nationality qualifies for the e-Visa using our visa checker
- Get vaccinated — Obtain yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel
- Gather documents — Prepare passport, photo, vaccination certificate, and accommodation proof
- Start your application — Access the form through DoVisa or the official Benin e-Visa portal
- Fill in personal details — Enter name, date of birth, and contact information exactly as in passport
- Enter travel information — Provide arrival date, purpose of visit, accommodation details
- Upload documents — Attach passport scan, photo, and supporting documents
- Pay the fee — Complete payment via credit card or other accepted methods
- Submit and wait — Application typically processed within 48-72 hours
- Receive e-Visa — Approved visa sent to your email as PDF
- Print your visa — Print the PDF and present at immigration on arrival
Costs & Processing Time
Benin offers several e-Visa options depending on your travel needs. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right visa for your trip.
Benin e-Visa Options
| Visa Type | Validity | Entries | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 days | Single | 48-72 hours |
| Multiple Entry (30 days) | 30 days | Multiple | 48-72 hours |
| Multiple Entry (90 days) | 90 days | Multiple | 48-72 hours |
Choose the Right Visa Type
If you're planning to visit neighboring countries (Togo, Nigeria, Ghana) and return to Benin, choose a multiple entry visa. The 90-day multiple entry option is ideal for extended trips exploring West Africa.
Apply for Your Benin e-Visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
E-Visa applications can be rejected for simple mistakes. Here are the most common errors — and how to avoid them.
- Forgetting yellow fever certificate: This is the #1 issue — you WILL be denied entry without it
- Poor quality documents: Upload clear, color scans of your passport — blurry images get rejected
- Passport photo issues: Use a recent photo with white background, no glasses, neutral expression
- Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Insufficient passport validity: Must have 6+ months validity from arrival date
- Applying too late: Apply at least 1 week before travel to allow for processing
- Wrong visa type: Choose multiple entry if visiting neighboring countries
- Missing accommodation proof: Provide confirmed hotel booking, not just a screenshot
DoVisa Expert Review
Our visa experts review every application before submission, checking for errors that could cause rejection. We verify your documents meet requirements and contact you if anything needs correction. Apply with confidence!
Travel Tips for Benin
Make the most of your Benin adventure with these essential travel tips from our experts who know West Africa well.
- Best time to visit: November through March (dry season) offers comfortable temperatures and easier travel
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF) — bring euros or USD to exchange; ATMs available in Cotonou
- Language: French is official — learning basic phrases helps significantly. Fon and Yoruba widely spoken
- Getting around: Zemidjan (motorcycle taxis) are common; negotiate price before riding. Shared taxis for longer distances
- Must-see attractions: Ganvie lake village, Abomey Royal Palaces, Pendjari National Park, Ouidah slave route
- Voodoo culture: Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo — visit during January's Voodoo Festival for an incredible experience
- Safety: Generally safe; use normal precautions in Cotonou. Avoid the northern border areas with Burkina Faso
- Health: Besides yellow fever, consider malaria prophylaxis. Drink bottled water only
- Dress code: Modest clothing appreciated, especially in rural areas and religious sites
Pro Tip: Voodoo Festival
If you can time your visit for January 10th, experience the annual Voodoo Festival in Ouidah! Thousands gather for ceremonies, dances, and celebrations of Benin's spiritual heritage. It's one of West Africa's most unique cultural events. Book accommodation well in advance.
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Expert guidance through the application
Document verification before submission
Yellow fever requirement reminders
Fast processing and delivery
24/7 customer support
Secure payment processing
Money-back guarantee if denied
Trusted by travelers to 190+ countries
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Benin e-Visa processing take?
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory?
Can I visit neighboring countries with Benin e-Visa?
Is Benin safe for tourists?
What's special about Ganvie?
Can I extend my e-Visa in Benin?
What if my e-Visa application is rejected?
Do I need to print the e-Visa?
What's the best way to get around Benin?
Is Benin expensive to visit?
Ready to Discover Benin?
Benin offers one of West Africa's most authentic and rewarding travel experiences. From the remarkable stilt villages of Ganvie to the powerful history of the Dahomey Kingdom, from living Voodoo traditions to incredible wildlife at Pendjari — this is a destination for curious travelers seeking something extraordinary.
Get your e-Visa with DoVisa and explore this fascinating country that most tourists never see. The birthplace of Voodoo awaits!
Benin
Capital: Porto-Novo (official) / Cotonou (economic capital)
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Language: French (official), Fon, Yoruba
Timezone: UTC+1
Processing: 48-72 hours
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: November - March
- Population: 13 million
- Power: 220V, Type C/E plugs (European)
- Country code: +229
- Yellow fever: MANDATORY
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Comments(12)
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Benin was an incredible experience! Ganvie is unreal - a whole city on water. DoVisa made the e-Visa application straightforward. Critical tip: don't forget your yellow fever certificate — they check everyone!
Is Benin good for wildlife safaris? I've heard about Pendjari National Park.
The Voodoo festival in January is incredible! Thousands of people gather in Ouidah. If you can time your visit for mid-January, it's an unforgettable cultural experience. DoVisa support helped me plan the timing perfectly.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey are a must. The history of the Dahomey Kingdom is fascinating and the museum is excellent. Benin has so much culture that most tourists never discover!
Learn a bit of French before you go - it makes everything easier. People are incredibly friendly once you try to speak the language. DoVisa made the visa process simple so I could focus on language prep!
First time applying for an African visa and DoVisa made it stress-free. They reminded me about the yellow fever requirement which I almost forgot. Very helpful customer service!
How safe is it traveling alone in Benin? Planning a solo trip.
The Door of No Return in Ouidah is deeply moving. Such important history that everyone should learn about. Benin handles this heritage with dignity and respect.
Riding zemidjan (motorcycle taxis) was an adventure in itself! Cheap and fast way to get around. Just negotiate the price first and hold on tight. What an authentic experience!
Applied through DoVisa and my e-Visa came through right on schedule. The process was clear and their customer support answered my questions about the yellow fever requirement. Highly recommend their service!
The markets in Cotonou are sensory overload in the best way! Dantokpa market is huge — bring a guide your first time. Amazing fabrics, crafts, and local food everywhere.
Planning to combine Benin with Togo - do I need separate visas for both?